Betty Ann Gritz, age 75, of Springfield, MO, passed away Friday, November 11, 2011. She was born December 9, 1935, in Hennessey, OK, to John and Helen (Krebs) Melendy. She was united in marriage to Lairy Gritz December 30, 1956. She received her BA in Education from Missouri Southern State University, her MA in Education from Pittsburg State University, and her Specialist in Education from Missouri State University. She was a member of South Haven Baptist Church. Betty was Springfield Teacher of the year ______. She loved to garden and travel, and spent many hours in childrens ministry. Spending time with her grandchildren was her passion. She also spent time with nursing home and shut-in ministries.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and one brother Loren Melendy.
She is survived by her husband Lairy Gritz of Springfield, MO; two children: a son David Gritz and wife Ligaya of New York, NY, and a daughter Melenda Parrish and husband Tim of Springfield, MO; four grandchildren: Daniel and Katy Gritz, Sam and Luke Parrish; three brothers: Dale Melendy and wife Billie of Hennessey, OK, Max Melendy and wife Ann of San Antonio, TX, and Allen Melendy and wife Maxine of Hennessey, OK; two sisters: Dorothy Hawk of Hennessey, OK, and Mary Hampton and husband Franke of Versailles, MO; as well as other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, November 18, 2011, at South Haven Baptist Church, Springfield, MO with Dr. Ryan Palmer officiating. Burial will follow at Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield, MO. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Thursday, November 17, 2011, at Greenlawn Funeral Home East. In lieu of plants and flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home Mt. Vernon, MO.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Greenlawn Funeral Home East, Springfield, MO.